Pennsylvania’s Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro has partnered with the Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on LGBTQ youth suicide prevention, to challenge counselors who do not endorse “gender-affirming care” for children experiencing gender dysphoria.
The initiative seeks to identify and penalize licensed counselors, many affiliated with Christian groups, who oppose promoting progressive medical transition methods.
New policies adopted by Pennsylvania licensing boards classify attempts to guide distressed children towards accepting their biological sex as “conversion therapy,” which could result in professional penalties.
Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris says she will win Pennsylvania “together with” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro as she takes the stage with Tim Walz, her vice presidential running mate, for the first time.
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Shapiro’s action “hinders the ability of counselors and therapists to help their patients and threaten to punish those with convictions on sexuality and gender that differ from the governor’s,” Pennsylvania Family Institute president Michael Geer said.
“Pennsylvanians who seek help in facing unwanted same-sex attractions or gender dysphoria should be free to speak with professional counselors who could help them achieve their personal goals,” he said.
Critics, including the Pennsylvania Family Institute, argue that these measures restrict therapeutic options for individuals seeking help with gender identity issues and infringe on personal convictions.
The collaboration aims to enhance reporting mechanisms for practitioners of conversion therapy, with some advocates lauding the policy changes as more binding than state law.
“We are offended, yet not surprised, that opponents of counseling choice are unfairly targeting our Christian counselors who respect client goals and support those who seek to walk out their faith with their bodies,” Restored Hope Network executive director Anne Edward said. “This counseling reduces suicidality for minors by a whopping 50 percent according to the Williams Institute Generations data reviewed by Dr. Paul Sullins. Disturbingly, The Trevor Project is seeking to ban counseling choice and punish counselors.”
